REP. RICHMOND BRIEFED ON NOPD UNCONSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (LA-02) was briefed on the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s investigation into the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). The resulting report was released today. It was commissioned by New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu during his first week in office, in response to widespread allegations of NOPD misconduct.

The Civil Rights Division found systemic problems at NOPD, which led to repeated unconstitutional and illegal behavior by some NOPD officers. Common offenses documented in the report include the use of excessive force, unconstitutional searches, biased and ineffective community policing, widespread discrimination, and failures to properly investigate gender based assault and domestic violence cases. Investigators also found deficiencies in departmental systems and policies that contributed to the aforementioned unconstitutional practices.

“Clearly, some NOPD officers failed our community and tarnished the reputations of the men and women who serve honorably. I’m committed to working with the Dept. of Justice to address the problems identified, in order to restore public confidence in the officers who do uphold the constitution while serving. The NOPD cannot fight crime if people don’t trust them,” said Congressman Richmond.“We must do all we can to reverse the troubling trends identified in this report. This report is just the first step.”   

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